Wikimedia Commons/Wonder Man Marvel TV show Celebrity Yahya Abdul-Mateen II hesitated before taking the lead in Marvel's Wonder Man. He reveals why at THR's Frontrunners panel. May 1, 2026 AceShowbiz - Yahya Abdul-Mateen II always knew he wanted to be part of the Marvel universe but initially hesitated when offered the lead role in Wonder Man. At The Hollywood Reporter's Frontrunners panel, Abdul-Mateen shared his journey of weighing the opportunity to star as Simon Williams, a struggling actor with hidden superpowers, and how the project ultimately resonated deeply with him.